WILLIAM GEERING has been appointed a director of Geerings of Ashford to become the first member of the fourth generation of the family to take a seat on the board of the company founded by his great grandfather more than 100 years ago.

The company operates a number of divisions although its roots are in printing and it has become established as one of the leading commercial printers in the South East.

Mr Geering takes his board seat after joining the company last year from one of the country's leading surveying firms, where he worked in commercial property and valuation.

Educated at Bedford School he studied rural practice surveying at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, graduating as the top student in 1996.

In addition to his board responsibility for the general strategy and management of Geerings, he will be in charge of maintaining and developing the company's extensive property portfolio.

He said: "It has always been something of a dream to join the family firm although my father was insistent that I should choose my own path.

"I was delighted when an opportunity arose which matched Geerings needs with my own skill-set. My role will be to manage the retail properties and others owned by the firm and to develop a flourishing property division.

"Having grown up around the company I am familiar with its structure and the way it operates. We have an excellent management team in place and have every reason to be confident about strong future growth."

Chairman and managing director, Robert Geering, added: "I am delighted that William decided to join the company and equally pleased to welcome him to the board.

"While I take great personal satisfaction from the fact that the family's involvement in the business continues into a fourth generation, the really important aspect is William's ability to add to our management strength and play a major role in the development of the company."